THE MARQUISE DE MERTEUIL TO THE VICOMTE DE VALMONT
I DO NOT LIKE people to follow up sorry conduct with sorry jests; it is neither in my manner nor to my taste. When I have ground of complaint against people, I do not quiz them;jm I do better, I avenge myself. However satisfied with yourself you may be at the present moment, do not forget that it would not be the first time if you were to find that you were premature, and quite alone, in applauding yourself in the hope of a triumph which had escaped you at the very moment when you were congratulating yourself upon it. Adieu.
PARIS, 6TH DECEMBER, 17–.